Providence Local News

Free Voter ID Events to be Held in Rhode Island

NewsRadio 920 WHJJ and Associated Press

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island voters without current photo identification may get one at events organized by the secretary of state.

Secretary of State Ralph Mollis's office says free voter IDs will be available in various communities in July and August. Events will be held in Burrillville, Central Falls, Coventry, Cumberland, Newport, Providence, Richmond and South Kingstown and on Block Island.

The Sept. 9 primary will mark the first time the state's voter ID law is in full effect, meaning voters will be asked to show a valid photo identification.

Voter ID critics say the law creates obstacles to voting, particularly for the poor, elderly and minorities. Efforts to repeal it have stalled.

Mollis defends the law, saying it strengthens the public's faith in the integrity of elections.